Risoluto (musical term)
Risoluto is an Italian expression marking meaning “resolved” or “firm,” directing musicians to play passages with a decisive, emphatic character.
Tempo, Dynamics & Italian Terms
Explore Tempo, Dynamics & Italian Terms with music dictionary guides to speed, volume, expression, and performance directions.
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Sostenuto (musical term)
Sostenuto is a musical articulation and piano pedal marking indicating that previously sounded notes should be held while subsequent notes are played without sustaining.
Giocoso – Meaning, Use and History in Music
Giocoso is an Italian musical term meaning “playful” or “joyful.” It is used as an expressive indication to convey a light‑hearted character, often influencing tempo, articulation, and phrasing.
Allegro (tempo marking)
Allegro is an Italian tempo indication meaning ‘fast, lively’, commonly used in classical music to denote a brisk, upbeat speed.
Prestissimo – Very Fast Tempo Marking
Prestissimo is an Italian musical term indicating an extremely fast tempo, faster than presto. It is used across classical and contemporary repertoire to signal virtuosic speed, often exceeding 200 beats per minute.
Più Mosso
Più mosso is an Italian tempo indication meaning “more movement” or “faster,” used to signal a moderate increase in speed within a musical piece.
Moderato
Moderato is an Italian tempo marking indicating a moderate speed, typically ranging from about 108 to 120 beats per minute. It guides performers toward a balanced, neither too fast nor too slow, pace and appears in a wide variety of musical styles.
Pomposo (musical term)
Pomposo is an Italian musical expression marking that directs performers to play in a majestic, pompous manner, often used in classical and operatic works.
Lacrimoso (musical term)
Lacrimoso is an Italian expressive marking meaning “tearful” or “weeping,” used to convey a sorrowful, plaintive character in vocal and instrumental music.
Espressivo (musical term)
Espressivo is an Italian performance direction meaning “expressively.” It instructs musicians to play a passage with heightened feeling, nuance, and personal interpretation, without specifying exact dynamics or tempo.